Sunday, February 7, 2010

We love the Super Bowl. My favorite parts are usually the food and the commercials–although my team is in the running this year, so I might actually watch the game!

We’ve been eating healthier this year, and I’ve dropped almost 14 pounds. I love me some Super Bowl food, but there’s no way I’m going to go crazy and pack back on some pounds that I’ve fought so hard to drop.

For the first time in ages, we aren’t having or going to a party for the big game. That’s going to make it a lot easier to limit ourselves to lower calorie/healthy snacks. I’ve been trying to come up with some lighter options that will still be festive.

I’m not going to post any recipes until after I’ve tried making everything, but here is the list of what I’m currently considering. (And no, most of it isn’t wholesome. There are processed foods a-plenty. I don’t think it will kill us to eat total crap on Super Bowl Sunday–as long as it doesn’t become an ongoing thing. I think I’ll also be sure to have everyone drink lots of extra water and take a vitamin before bed.)

Veggies and Baked Ruffles with Fat Free Beef Dip (Our local grocery used to make the best beef dip–before they were sold to Kroger. I got the recipe from a friend who worked there, so I now can make it at home with fat free ingredients.)

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Lightened Potato Skins(I’m thinking about trying something with similar seasoning, only spraying the potato with Pam. Then using 2% or fat free cheddar and a tiny bit of bacon for flavor.)

Bacon Wrapped, Chèvre Stuffed Medjool Dates (Ok, this one doesn’t sound very diet friendly, but very little cheese fits inside. AND, I’m told that if you par-boil the tiny piece of bacon before you wrap it around the date to bake it, a lot of the fat will boil out and it will crisp right up! Plus, I’m not making very many.)

My big plan is to make very small batches of all of these things. One box of Jello, one can of garbanzos, one avocado’s worth of guac., etc. I’m also sitting here right now trying to figure out the points values of each of these treats. We’ll be able to have a taste of several different snacks, without breaking the bank on points or stretching our stomachs back out.

I’d love to hear what tricks you have up your sleeve when it comes to “light” eating for parties and/or the big game!